[LifeIsGood01]

for those who have one and have used it recently.

How do you run the electric line in from the outside. Do you have to keep a door partially open or do you run it in thru a window?

[jghorton]

We used a generator many years ago following a hurricane and storm outage. At that time, we ran the cord through a door/window?? With no a/c, there wasn't much concern with the house getting too warm. Since we haven't had many hurricanes in Florida over the past 10-15-years, this has become a non-issue.

However, my son (and others I know) have their basement/garage-based backup generators (located in the basement or garage), attached to their home electrical system via a hardline connection.

[MyITGuy]

I have enough cable (125') to run from my wash room through the garage, either to the front or backyard, so I would just close the garage door.

If I needed to, I would run it out a window, then use cardboard & tape to seal around it in order to keep out the bugs (Other windows have screens that can stay open).

If you own your place and want to plan in advance, get a transfer switch & generator plug installed by your electrical meter

[FLHfan]

I installed a transfer switch with a receptacle on the outside of the garage to plug in the gen. The small switches can run six circuits. The fridge takes two, one each for microwave and some lights, living room, garage and sump lift.

If I ever install a switch in a different house I'll get the bigger one to connect more circuits.

[double6's]

I too had certified electrician install a transfer switch and ran a 7,000 running watt genny bought at Sam's Club..we could run the water heater and well pump long enough to get water and showers or laundry, then turn those off and run the a/c the rest of the time along with all the lesser draw circuits for lights and tv's..

[npz]

We ran a cable in through a door, and just gently closed the door against the cable and secured the door. Did not have a problem with either heat or bugs coming in, but quite frankly that was the last thing we were worrying about!!

[markjames68]

Nowadays there is no need to install a transfer switch for a 240v generator, just get a panel interlock kit installed, get a socket installed outside, and run a cable to the socket from the generator. A meter is also helpful to manage the load and to ensure you don't overload the generator. Then you manage circuits manually by switching on and off.

[FLHfan]

I wish someone would have told me about the interlock kit. Checked it out on YouTube tonight.
Anybody want to buy a slightly used transfer switch?

[sware2cod]

I ran cords through the windows, then stuffed plastic bags in the 1/2" hole of the window opening. Was going to use cardboard/tape but since it's very temporary, the plastic grocery bags worked out well. The windows were in a hidden area where other homes/people wouldn't notice the plastic bags stuffed in the window gap. I ended up using all 1 color and it probably looked just as good as cardboard or tape anyway. It was very easy to remove the plastic bags once the power came back on.

[d4g4m]

After listening to generators running 24 hours a day for 9 days, I'm wondering what government agency thinks that the mufflers on electric generators are adequate. Or people running older generators not thinking that their generator needs a new muffler.